Pierre Moran Pool is one of several Elkhart County area attractions that will be open over the Fourth of July holiday. (Truth Photo By J. Tyler Klassen)(AP)

Holiday weekend provides entertainment opportunities

Emily Duchon

Posted on July 4, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.

While patriotism is the main theme for the Independence Day holiday, many are also on the lookout for other activities to engage in during their day off. The following is a local guide for those interested in what is available to them locally.

Indiana

Elkhart

The Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St., is closed Thursday, July 4. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday, July 5. The film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” will be shown for free from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 5, in the library basement. Refreshments will be provided. For more information call 522-2665.

The McNaughton Spray Park, 701 Arcade Ave., will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The park will also be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, and from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 7. Admission is $4, $2 for senior citizens 55 and older, $1 for children 2 and younger. The park features a large bucket spill, spray loops, team sprays, cannons, power volcanoes, aqua domes, spray nozzles, jets, valves and water guns. A concession stand, picnic area, loungers and shade umbrellas are also available. For more information call 970-5947 or visit www.elkhartindiana.org/department/division.asp?fDD=79-342.

The Pierre Moran Pool, 200 W. Lusher Ave., is open from 1 to 7 p.m. July 4-6, 1 to 6 p.m. July 7. Two pools, a waterslide, shade umbrellas and loungers are available. Admission is $4, $1 for children 2 and younger. For more information call 293-7946 or visit www.elkhartindiana.org/department/division.asp?fDD=79-341.

Ruthmere Museum, 302 E. Beardsley Ave., is closed Thursday, July 4, but will observe the holiday during regular hours on July 5 when guided tours are offered at 10 and 11 a.m., noon, and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Those that take the tour will receive a free souvenir flag. The regularly scheduled Coffee On the Piazza is from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 6. Sunday, July 7, is Free Family Sunday, in which self-guided tours of Ruthmere and the Havilah Beardsley House are free the first Sunday of each month. Ruthmere tours are $10 adults, $4 students, free for children younger than 5 admitted with an adult. Havilah Beardsley House tours are $5 adults, $2 students, free for children younger than 5 admitted with an adult. Ruthmere is a Blue Star Museum, allowing free admission to all active duty servicemen and women, along with their families. For more information,call 264-0330 or visit www.ruthmere.org. The Havilah Beardsley House is at Main Street and Beardsley Avenue.

Time Was Museum, 125 N. Main St., will be open from 9:30 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday, July 5-6. Those looking to learn about Elkhart’s interesting past can do so from none other than historian Paul Thomas. For more information call 293-6005.

The South Bend Farmer’s Market, 1105 Northside Blvd., will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4 and 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 6. The market features vendors selling local produce, cheeses and meats, and a restaurant is located in the center. For more information call 282-1259 or visit www.southbendfarmersmarket.com.

Michigan

Sawyer

Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Highway, will be open during regular hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The park features a beach, hiking trails and dunes. For more information call 269-426-4013 or visit www.michigan.org/property/warren-dunes-state-park.